Biomimicry – “Laptop Cooling Stand” (Grade 7)

Grade: Seven

Topic: Understanding Life Systems – Interactions in the Environment

Design Challenge:

What is Biomimicry? According to “The Biomimicry Group”, it is the study and imitation of nature's remarkably efficient designs, and the use of these models to create sustainable technologies (http://www.biomimicry.net/). Students will investigate how heat is transferred through conduction, convection and radiation. Using this knowledge, the materials and tools provided, as well as, teacher approved “found items”, students will create a laptop-cooling stand that includes Biomimicry in the design of its cooling system. The cooling system cannot use any electrical power to operate, and must transfer heat away from a laptop by conduction, convection, and radiation.

gear racks 100 mm (two each for advanced students who wish to design a quick wind system for their fans), use gear racks in conjunction with red plastic gears;

red plastic gears,10 tooth, with inserts (1 each for advanced students who wish to design a quick wind system for their fans);

2 boxes of 100, large paperclips (to be used in a variety of creative way when making the projects e.g., elastic hooks, hinges, etc.);

1 box of 1" finishing nails, can be either ardox or regular (use as needed for hinges, strengthening joints, and small drill bits by clipping off the heads so the shaft can be clamped securely in the chuck);

1 box of 1 1/2" finishing nails, can be either ardox or regular (use as needed for hinges, strengthening joints, and small drill bits by clipping off the heads so the shaft can be clamped securely in the chuck);

tinfoil (approx. 1 foot per laptop stand);

rubberized or heavy fabric (e.g., an old raincoat or pants, old jeans, etc.), this will be cut into strips that are glued along the sealed edge of the flapper to act as a hinge, and to prevent air from escaping out its back when used.

Tools - please note that this list is designed for classroom projects where the use of powered tools is prohibited: